A small fire on the first floor of the North Bridge shopping center - located at 520 N. Michigan Ave. - prompted a full response from firefighters earlier this morning, shutting down traffic and rerouting CTA buses. A police officer told the Tribune that the fire broke out in cosmetic shop Sephora but the fire department hasn't confirmed that. The mall is anchored by Nordstrom; there's no word on how long the mall will be closed as clean up continues. more ›

We are not fetishists in any way, shape or form. And yet even we would be loathe to pass up the chance to fondle an actual Academy Award. (Note: we actually have; Ben Hecht's Oscar is in the collection of the Newberry Library). You'll have the chance to do it too: February 13-22 at at The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue, "Meet the Oscars, Chicago" will feature a display of Oscars. One of which you'll be able to hold. The free exhibit will include six statuettes to be given out during next year's ceremony as well as Clark Gable's Best Actor Oscar for It Happened One Night. Since 1982 the awards have been manufactured here in Chicago by R.S. Owens & Company. more ›